David Halbe 
Reminiscent of Sleep Token and the Nazgul from J.R.R. Tolkien’s famed trilogy, The Lord Of The Rings, these guys seemingly epitomize the famed Black Riders or Ringwraiths of Sauron.
Gaerea is a black metal band from Portugal formed in 2016. The group has been unusually busy, releasing four full length albums with number five, Loss, due March 20th 2026 via Century Media Records. So far three official music videos, “Submerged”, “Hellbound” and “Phoenix” have been released to hype the effort. This is a hell of a lot of support for a melodic black metal band that has barely been around ten years. Intrigued, I decided to watch the music videos for myself to see what the hype was all about.
First and foremost, the band’s costume designs are spectacular. Reminiscent of Sleep Token and the Nazgul from J.R.R. Tolkien’s famed trilogy, The Lord Of The Rings, these guys seemingly epitomize the famed Black Riders or Ringwraiths of Sauron. Their movements in each video are eerily captivating and simply amazing. I found myself wanting to view these videos over and over again. It was as if the band’s music held the ring of power itself.
Within the world of black metal, there’s always a need for exploration. Many bands have tried this in the past but few have found identifiable success. While it’s easy to mimic an established style because it has been accepted by listeners it’s hard to go your own way and develop something new. Perhaps isolation from ‘the scene’ is the key to being different. Portugal isn’t the black metal capital of the world but perhaps that’s the point.
The music video for “Submerged” is an underwater opus. A performance offering set to the rain, this effort is as visceral as it is raw. Heighted emotions take the black metal themes to the next level. A literal downpour of passion set to music.
“Hellbound” takes the desolation of water found in “Submerged” and brings us to a desert. The barren landscapes and mountainous backdrops further the isolation. The camera angles shift in this sandy mural and enhance the desolation, day or night. The doorway to hell seems all the more lethal at dusk. Whether it’s a tree or a human being, the fire visuals bring out the finality of the song’s overall message. There’s no way back when things are reduced to ashes.
Finally, the music video for “Phoenix” offers a rebirth of sorts. Technology is at the forefront of imagery laced with severe solitude. Is it a warehouse or a spacecraft? Are we experiencing self-isolation or a new form of hibernation? Perhaps the contraption used in the video offers a reset, a rebirth like the phoenix of mythology that regenerates, rising out of the decomposition of its predecessor.
These new music videos are as compelling as the music of Gaerea. Horns way up to Century Media Records who took the time to promote this band properly. I’m excited for this release, new year and new favorite black metal group. Can’t wait to see and hear what comes next! \m/
GAEREA is:
- Guilherme Henriques – Vocals, Guitars
- Sonja Schuringa – Guitars
- Diogo Mota – Drums
- Lucas Ferrand – Bass
